Meet Deneen L. Garrett.
TGS DET MEMBER SINCE 2021
Meet Deneen L. Garrett.
| Deneen L. Garrett elevates the voices of Women of Color through D&I, Talent & Leadership Development, and Podcasting. Deneen rose rapidly through her early career at AT&T as she earned promotions from sales to support to management. Deneen joined D&I to leverage talent acquisition, employee development, and sponsorship initiatives on behalf of marginalized AT&T employees, she co-founded their 1st Inclusion Council and led projects impacting 250,000 employees. Through her leadership spanning multi diverse segments, Deneen serves as a key culture change advocate and best practices champion. She rolled out a staff development and mentorship program that generated participant promotions, hosted career programs for college students, and led executive leadership tours. Her efforts more than doubled attendance of a panel she created which is now her podcast. Deneen activated a LGBTQ+ suicide prevention initiative and boosted diversity hires 90% by employing non-traditional recruiting practices. Deneen’s legacy is her contributions as the Women of Color Program Lead which she took on in 2021. In this role, Deneen upgraded enterprise-wide continuous learning and employee / social engagement for 200K and up-skilled allies and advocates for women of color. Deneen designed the strategy and directed rollout of programming in tandem with key partners to strengthen the long-term capabilities of women of color. Deneen has a Masters in Administration and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice. Deneen is also a LinkedIn Creator, published author. and was just recognized as a 2022 AT&T Dream in Black Black Future Maker. |
GET TO KNOW DENEEN.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT TGS?
My favorite thing about TGS is community. It’s FUBU!
IF YOU could have dinner with 3 people, dead or alive, who would you choose and why?
Issa Rae, LeBron James and my dad. I mean, come on now, it’s Issa and LBJ.
Both are game changers, “some(one) (who) radically changes a situation,” who inspires me to be and do better. They are the epitome of “paying it forward” and “pulling, pushing and positioning” as they climb.
My dad died 40 years ago. I’m starting to embrace his hustle. He place a fire in me that demands I fuel it. I’d love to talk to him about my life, my pivots and for him to meet his namesake, my son.
what’s one piece of advice you’d share with your younger self?
Build relationships with the people you meet on your travels. Had I done that, I’d have more friends in different cities and countries to visit.
what’s one hidden skill or talent that you possess that people might not know?
In my role as a Talent & Leadership Development professional, I became a multi-hyphenate: project/program manager, producer, writer, creative, social media manager, speaker, author, event planner, talent manager, recruiter when I took over the #WOC program.
You can connect with Deneen at Deneen L. Garrett, LinkedIn, and Instagram.